The Black BalloonSynopsis and Overview

Poster Art for "The Black Balloon."

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  • The Black Balloon
  • Opened December 5, 2008 | Runtime:1 hr. 37 min.
  • PG-13
    some sexual content, a scene of violence and brief strong language
  • Thomas and his family who move to a new home where he starts at a new school. All he wants to do is to fit in, but when his pregnant mother has to take things easy, he is put in charge of his autistic older brother, Charlie. Thomas, with the help of Read More
  • Cast: Rhys Wakefield, Luke Ford, Gemma Ward, Erik Thomson, Toni Collette
  • Director: Elissa Down
  • Genres: Art House/Foreign, Drama

The Black Balloon Movie Photos & Trailers + Clips

  • Gemma Ward on the set of "The Black Balloon."
  • Rhys Wakefield as Thomas and Gemma Ward as Jackie in "The Black Balloon."
  • Director Elissa Down and Gemma Ward on the set of "The Black Balloon."
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The Black Balloon Featured Trailers + Video Clips

The Black Balloon Recent Fan Reviews

  • Go

    Go see this movie...

    by CPW

    Based on the description many people will skip this movie. PLEASE DON'T MISS THIS ONE. The story is engaging, complex and at times uncomfortable, but the acting is outstanding. It is a great "coming of age" film, but also about the emotional roller coaster of a deeply caring family and the relationship of two brothers (one of which is "challenged"). It is moving in so many ways...

    CW

  • Go

    Gemma Ward is smooth

    by cece_goldfield

    Gemma, Luke, and Rhys capture a good portion of screen time on this film about a family dealing with the up and down emotions attached to families and kids with autism. Go see this Australian gem of a film.

  • Must Go!

    Amazing

    by FRONT_ROW_

    Wow, this is a no holds barred in your face reality check of what it is REALLY like to live with a child in a man's body. The film depicts this sad situation in such a endearing way that you feel sorry for those who find themselves dealt this reality and are impressed by them as well. All the while you are exceedingly thankful this is not your life but you leave with a new respect for those who "look after their own".
    The story surrounds the one brother and his coming of age. He is forced to deal with his handicapped brother while juggling his attempt at his first love with a very mature classmate. She is endearing and everyone devotes themselves so fully in their part that the movie is haunting long after the credits roll. A real, REAL gem that is not afraid to show it like it is.

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The Black Balloon Critic Reviews

Go Avg. Critic Score out of 100 Metascore ® based on all critic ratings.

Critic scores range from 0 to 100, with higher scores indicating more favorable reviews.

  • 80
    Los Angeles Times |

    For the most part, this unblinking family drama packs a visceral punch. Thomas'...

  • 78
    Austin Chronicle | Kimberley Jones

    Funny and fierce and deeply moving.

  • 75
    San Francisco Chronicle | Walter Addiego

    It's compassionate but unblinking.

  • 75
    Chicago Tribune | Michael Phillips

    At its sharpest Elissa Down's feature directorial debut is guided by intense,...

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The Black Balloon Movie Ratings + Reviews

Fans say

So-so 117 fan reviews

Critics say

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